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Most CEOs from reputed organizations prefer product-led tactics to streamline their sales cycle and lower costs. To thrive in 2024, they require talented Product Owners who can go hand-in-hand with what they plan to achieve as business objectives! 

But what exactly are these CEOs looking for in their Product Managers? What qualities make a Product Owner stand out in the eyes of top Business Executives? Let's discuss the required skill set of Product Managers in 2024 and understand what CEOs expect from new hires!

The Must-Have Qualities Of Product Managers:

We will explain the main traits that Product Managers must have to shine as driven Agile Leaders. Here are the most essential qualities CEOs look for in the aspiring Product Owners!

1. Leadership Skills: 

Product Managers must be influential leaders who can inspire and motivate their teams. They should be able to set a clear Product Vision and delegate tasks to achieve the expected Product Goal. They must provide guidance and support to the Product Team when needed.

2. Strategic Thinking: 

CEOs value Product Managers who can think strategically and make decisions that align with the company's long-term goals. Product Managers should be able to identify market opportunities by anticipating ongoing industry trends. Based on that, they must create a Product Roadmap that drives growth and profitability.

3. Communication Skills: 

Effective communication is essential for Product Managers to collaborate with cross-functional teams and business stakeholders. CEOs expect Product Managers to articulate their ideas clearly and listen actively, which can help them build consensus among other team members.

4. Analytical Skills:

Product Owners must be able to analyze data and interpret market research and data insights. CEOs look for Product Managers who can use data-driven approaches to prioritize Product Features and optimize the Product Value delivered to customers.

5. Customer Focus: 

CEOs expect Product Managers to understand their customers' needs and preferences deeply. They should know what customers like and what they don't! They should also be able to advocate for the customer's perspective while following user-centric design principles. Thus, they can drive the product team to deliver products that delight and exceed expectations.

Do Product Managers Require Technical Expertise?

These professional traits aren’t enough to succeed as a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). Having a bit of technical expertise always adds up to extra points for aspiring Product Owners:

• Better collaboration with development teams
• Faster understanding of technical constraints
• Enhanced ability to prioritize Features or User Stories
• Improved communication with stakeholders
• Increased credibility within the Scrum Team

CEOs value Product Managers who strongly understand Agile Methodologies and Principles. A basic understanding of programming languages and data analysis tools is also handy but not mandatory!

CEOs prioritize the Product Manager’s Leadership Qualities and other Analytical Skills over technical proficiency.

How Do CEOs Evaluate When Hiring Product Managers?

Business Executives and CEOs always evaluate the aspirants based on these questions:

• Do they understand the problem? Product Managers should articulate how their Product Vision addresses customers' specific pain points and delivers unique value!
• Can they think simple? Check to see if candidates can break down larger goals into smaller, simpler, actionable steps and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Do they accept others' viewpoints? Look for candidates who demonstrate humility and transparency regarding feedback and individual perspectives.
• Can they drive the Product Team? Candidates should exhibit strong accountability, take ownership of the Product Goal, and drive the entire team.
• How good are their communication skills? Effective communication is essential for product managers to align stakeholders and communicate priorities.
• Can they adapt to change? Product managers must be adaptable and flexible to respond to changing customer demands and embrace new opportunities.

Evaluating the candidate based on these questionnaires is enough to identify a good Product Owner!

What CEOs Expect From Newly Hired Product Managers?

CEOs expect newly hired Product Managers to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. They look for Product Managers who can take ownership of their projects, drive results, and demonstrate accountability for outcomes. CEOs expect Product Managers to be proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented. So, newly hired Product Owners must be very active and diligent in their responsibilities!

Gear Up To Be A Successful Product Manager!

Aspiring Product Managers should focus on developing the must-have qualities we discussed. They should position themselves as valuable assets to potential employers. By honing their leadership skills and Agile expertise, Aspiring Product Managers can secure rewarding career opportunities in 2024. So, consider obtaining the Certified Scrum Product Owner credentials from Scrum Alliance. Good luck!

Reference:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140410232440-137353-9-qualities-of-a-great-product-manager/

https://userback.io/blog/future-of-product-management/